Assignment 2: Gorgias (Li Ling (:)

Li Ling speaks (:

1) What stands out and really captures your attention? What struck you after having read that passage, why?

I never quite realized how words can be manipulated so easily and meanings that we are take for granted changed. What we’ve always believed so strongly in can be so easily refuted by analyzing and breaking down each situation into its very basic elements, the way Socrates is able to. With his ability to simplify matters, he exposes the inconsistencies in the way that Gorgias, Polus and Callicles think. As much as he manages to get all three of them to agree with him, the conclusion is reached rather reluctantly, and not with total conviction. In fact, since more than one person sees the need to continue the discussion after another has conceded speaks volumes about how convincing Socrates is.

I don’t like Socrates, and the way he carries on with his discussions. He defines keywords and equates them with various other words that the rest come up with. However, I feel that he over-simplifies certain issues and ignores certain main points of argument. He does it cleverly, by insisting on a yes or no answer even when I feel there is room for more discussion. He veers the discussion towards an area where he knows he will be able to expose ‘inconsistencies’ in the thinking of the rest, thereby getting them to concede. At the end of the day everyone grudgingly agrees with him, perhaps because he is undeniably the best orator amongst them all, ironically.

2) What lessons does this book have for the work here as CDC, for public policy?

The helplessness of Gorgias, Polus and Callicles as they argue with Socrates actually impacts me more than the truth behind the words of Socrates. Perhaps it may sound weird, but I do see parallels between the policies implemented in Singapore and this conversation between the four parties.

In this parallel situation, Gorgias, Polus and Callicles personify the profile of people who fall through the cracks despite the various policies available in Singapore. Socrates is a very mean devilish character (whom thankfully, I cannot find a representation in today’s time) who analyses these policies with these 3 people. If you replace Socrates questions with those more relevant to today’s world, I’m sure you can imagine the situation as well.

In today’s world, Socrates would ask questions like if one’s monthly household income is more than $3000 and if so (as will be in the case of present day GPC), he will give a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes and say something along the lines of “Well then I’m sure you can see, I can’t provide you any financial assistance.”

Never mind if the student involved is living with 7 other siblings, has only one parent who is paying off the debt left behind by the deceased other parent, struggles every month to meet the deadlines of other bills like the PUB bills, town council bills. Never mind that the single parent was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has to undergo chemotherapy, which as most people would know, requires humongous amounts of money each month. Of course my fictional family here is an exaggerated, extreme example that my overactive imagination came up with. But I’m sure you agree with my basic point – that is more than just numbers alone, we need to consider the background and unique situation that the family find themself in, and render the help that we consider most appropriate to them. The help provided should be as multi-pronged as possible so that it will be more effective.

3) What lessons does this book have for you?

Things are always more than they seem. We should all aim to find out as much information as possible, and consider each situation that we come across as a unique case worthy of more exploration, instead of attempting to fit each case into frameworks that we have already set in our minds.

I do recognize however, if Socrates was still alive in this age and time, I would lose should I ever attempt to engage him in a conversation /: I also have to admit that I’m often guilty of inconsistencies in thinking as well.

-Li Ling